Crime Prevention Advice Violence against Women

Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault, Harassment and Stalking

INTRODUCTION

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In most cases women are the victims of these crimes. But it is not only women who suffer from these crimes. And these are not the only types of violence that can be experienced.

Women may be victimised simply because they are women, or because their property is seen as more vulnerable due to individual life styles and perceived lesser physical strength. Basically we can divide violence against women into attacks which are physically, sexually, or property oriented. To put this into context it is important to realise that in Ireland crimes involving physical violence of any kind are amongst the lowest in Europe .

No matter who you are, if you are subjected to violence of any kind you should contact the Gardai for immediate help and advice. An Garda Siochana is committed to a proactive policy in relation to protection through law enforcement.

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

"Domestic Violence" is the physical, sexual, emotional or mental abuse of one partner by the other partner in a relationship which may or may not be one of marriage or cohabitation and includes abuse by any family member against whom a safety order or a barring order may be obtained by another family member.

WHO COMMITS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

As a general rule it is a husband or partner who commits thiS crime against women. To the public, he may appear to be a warm loving person and a law abiding citizen. Often he will absolutely refuse to accept that he is the person responsible for his destructive behaviour. In fact, he may believe that his abusive behaviour is justived.

THE THREE PHASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence tends to follow three phases

- A Tension Building phase

- An Acute Building phase

- Reconciliation phase

It is important to remember that once violence has begun, it not only continues, but also over time increases in both frequency and severity. As the violence continues, the three-phase cycle begins to change for the worst the tension building phase becomes shorter and more intense the acute battering incidents become more frequent and severe and the reconciliation periods become far shorter.

IF YOU ARE SUBJECTED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

It is important for you to know that no one has the right to assault you. You can stop it immediately by getting help and support from the Gardai and other service providers.

If you suffer from Domestic Violence Gardai will give you immediate protection and advice. If you choose, a female Garda can be available to help and support you throughout your traumatic experience. The Gardai can also put you in contact with other organisations that can give you counselling, advice or refuge.

The Gardai can also advise you on agencies that can support and counsel you in seeking a Protection/Barring Order from the District Court. If you are not married and are the subject of violence by your partner you can still apply for a Court Order to prevent further abuse.

REMEMBER - THE DECISION IS YOURS

If you have been subjected to Domestic Violence, you should have no hesitation at all about reporting it to the Gardai. Remember that the priority is to look after YOU. A decision about applying for a Court Order comes later - AND THAT DECISION IS YOURS!

Always get the medical attention you need after an attack. It is best to tell the doctors and nurses exactly what happened to you, so that they can record it carefully.

SAVE ALL EVIDENCE YOU CAN

Women who are subjected to family violence often feel isolated, vulnerable and afraid. Where possible, you should save all evidence of the attack, because once you are out of physical danger you will be in a better position to consider the legal options open to you, options which can, in some cases, lead to arrest and prosecution.

WHO CAN BE RAPED AND WHO COMMITS RAPE?

Anybody can be raped at any time and anywhere. Women who are raped often know the person who raped them. For example, it can be their husband, boyfriend, partner or neighbour.

IF YOU ARE RAPED

If you are raped, you must remember at all times that you are not to blame. The rapist is the person who commits the crime … NOT YOU!

THE GARDAI CAN SUPPORT YOU IN THE FOLLOWING WAY

At any time of the day or night, trained Gardai can arrange for you to receive immediate medical care and advice. The Gardai will also advise you about the many different counselling and support services that are available. If you have been raped, you should have no hesitation about reporting it to the Gardai. Remember that the priority is to look after YOU. Trained Gardai will be available to support and advise you at every stage of the investigation.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Remember if you are sexually assaulted, you are not to blame. Help and support is available to you 24 HOURS A DAY . The Gardai and agencies like the Rape Crisis Centre will immediately help you to get specialised medical care.

Remember after an assault you may feel dirty, but to preserve evidence you should not wash, change your clothes or even clean up until after you have talked to the Gardai.

Remember every piece of information no matter how small it is that you recall about your attacker may be relevant.

Remember many crimes of rape are not reported, as a result most rapists continue until caught.

HARASSMENT/STALKING

Harassment/stalking can also be a problem and recent changes in legislation means that this menace need no longer be suffered. Any person who by any means including the use of the telephone harasses another by persistently following, watching, pestering, besetting or communicating commits this offence. Keep a record of events and report the matter to the Gardai.

DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM

follow this advice

ON THE STREET

DO NOT

• carry a handbag unless it is essential.
• Minimise your jewellery or other valuables.
• Walk facing traffic, so that vehicles cannot approach from behind without you being aware of their presence.
• When alone, avoid dark and empty streets and passages. Arrange a lift if you are travelling at night, or hire a taxi, preferably get the taxi to collect you at home.
• Ascertain Taxi Driver's name. Ask him to wait until you have entered the home.
• If you think you are being followed go straight to the nearest place where there are people, even a private house. Then phone for the Gardai.

IN THE HOUSE

• Fit chain and door viewer to front door.
• Fit mortice locks to all external doors. Choose solid doors without glass panels. Windows should also be fitted with locks.
• Fit an Intruder Alarm System to recognised standard.
• If you live alone, DO NOT advertise this fact. Use only your initials and surname in telephone directories, or on doorplates.
• DO NOT admit callers to your home without being satisfied that they are genuine. Have them call back when you have a friend at home.
• At night, draw curtains, or pull down blinds to avoid unwelcome scrutiny.
• Have your front key ready to use as you approach the house so that you are not fumbling in your bag on the doorstep.
• If the house appears to have been burgled DO NOT go in, the intruder could still be present. Go to a neighbour and phone the Gardai.

IN THE CAR

• Get into the habit of locking your doors when driving or waiting in the car.
• DO NOT pick up hitchhikers or strangers, even if they appear to have broken down, you can always phone the Gardai to come and enquire.
• Never leave your valuables within view. Place them under the seat.
• Park in well lit places, preferably with lots of people around.

Some Useful Telephone Numbers

Garda Siochana '112' or '999' or any Garda Station we are available to help you 24 hours a day.

Irish Association of Victim Support - 01-6798673

National Federation of Refugees - 064-49049

Women's Aid Helpline - 1-800-341900 Mon-Fri - 10am to 10pm Weekends - 10am to 6pm

Samaritans - 24 hours a day - 01-8727700

FLAC, South William Street , Dublin - Free Legal Advice available from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday 01-8745690.

Crimestoppers - 1-800-250025